Device for lifting heavy articles



y Aug. 17, 1965 R. Bamm 9 fr? l 66 DEVICE FOR LIFTING HEAVY ARTICLES Filed Feb. 4, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet `l inventan @Zvew vz'rz,

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Aug. 17, 1965 R. Bou-HN DEVICE FOR LIFTING- HEAVY ARTICLES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 4, 1963 r||||| lnlxlll IIII Inventor', i?oerzf outz'n, @d/ gaf/mga s.

facture. lknown lifting devices, the present invention utilizes a United States Patent() Mice 3,2dLl66 DEVICE FOR LIFTHNG HEAVY ARTICLES `Robert Boutin, North Stonington, Conn., assigner to Gen- .carellh Inc., Westerly, R., a corporation of Rhode Island Filed Feb. 4, 1963,Ser. No. 255,805

`1 Claim. (Cl. 294-89) The present invention relates to `a device for lifting heavy articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stone lifter that is adapted to be inserted into a circular hole formed in a large stone or slab and that is automatically locked in the hole or bore when an upwardly directed force is applied to the device.

The` present invention has particular application in the lifting and transporting of large slabs or stones, such as breakwater stones that weigh as much as eight to thirty tons. Although devices of this general character'have been utilized heretofore, they have been found to be inefficient in use due to the constructional details thereof or'to the economies in the manufacture thereof. The

'lifting device embodied in the present invention is not only structurally superior to any of the heretofore known lifting devices, but is also simple and economical to manu- Contrary to the construction of the heretofore sleeve-like element that is disposed in encircling relation around a polygonal -shaped shank. The sleeve like element is formed with a plurality of resilient fingers that are wedge shaped at the lower end thereof and that engage oppositely tapered wedge-like keys in flush relation at the lowermost end of the shank. Sincethe lifting device is adapted to be disposed in a bore that is formed in thetop of a stone to be moved, an upwardly directed force on the shank of the lifting device will cause the lingers of the sleeve-like element to be flexed outwardly into intirnateengagement with the side walls of the'bore, thereby iirrnly locking the lifting device in the bore formed in the article tobe lifted.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lifting device which isradapted to be positively locked in a bore formed in a heavy article that is in turn `adapted to belifted and transported from one location to another.

Another object of thepresent invention is to provide a lifting device that includes a sleeve formed with a plu- .rality of resilient fingers that are adapted to be flexed into intimate engagement with the sidewalls of a bore ,in

`which the device is inserted, thereby providing contact for substantially all` of the surfaces of thebore in which the device is inserted.

Still `another object is to provide a lifting device that is formed witha polygonal shaped shank, onthe lowermost end of which `a plurality of wedge-like keys are t joined, the keys cooperating with tapered surfaces formed on flexible fingers overlying the sides of the shank to force` the lingers outwardly intointimateengagement with `the `walls of a bore in which the device is inserted when an upwardly directed force is applied to the device.

Another objectris to provide a device for lifting heavy `articles that may be quickly placed in positionin a'bore bodied in the present invention with parts shown in section thereof and further showing the device in the locked 3,2@Ll Patented Aug. `l?, i965 position in a bore of a heavy article that is to be lifted, the heavy article -being illustrated in section;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines `2.--2 in FlG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional `view taken along lines 33 in `FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentarysectional view with parts shown in elevation of the lower portion of the device illustrated in FIG. 2 and showing therreleased position of the device withinthe bore in which it has been inserted;

FIG. 5 is `an enlarged fragmentary `sectional view of the lower portion of the sleeve of thelifting device with parts shown in elevation; and

FIG. 6 is a bottom, plan view of the. sleeve as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The present-invention has particularapplication in the lifting and transporting of heavy articles, such as breakwater stones that weigh approximately eight to thirty tons.

'Since itis essential that a firm gripping actionbe provided for the lifting devicewithin the boreformedin the stone to be lifted, the present invention is provided with a unique `arrangement wherein a plurality of surfaces substantially `boring tool. It is understood that the depth of the bore 12 will be in accordance with the longitudinal dimensions of the gripping device to be described hereinafter.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, alifting device generally indicated at 14 is adapted to be inserted within the bore i2 and isfformedin such amanner as to engage the `side walls of the bore when an upwardly directed Aforce is applied thereto. The lifting device 1li includes an elongated shank generally indicated at 16 that has -a i polygonal cross sectional configuration that defines a plurality of equally formed .sides `18. iIn the embodiment of the invention illustrated herein, the shank 116 has a hex- .agonal shape, although it.is'understood that other configurations can be utilized. It has been found, however, that the hexagon'shape of the shank $16 provides forthe most eicient use of the sidesdefined thereby.

Welded or joined in some suitable fashion to the uppermost end of the shank ld asindicated at 24 and 26 is arlifting element or'strapfZZthat has a generally U-shaped configuration. The legs of thestrap 22 are welded directly to opposed `sides of thetuppermost-end. of the shank 16 atthe intersection of a pair of faces 18, and since the strap 22; extends upwardly beyond the upper end of the shank i6, an opening is defined in the strap forreceiving a hook element orl the like that is adapted to liftr the device duringthe article carrying operation.

Joined to the lowermost end of the shank 16 are a plurality of wedge-likekeys 28, each of the keys 28 overlying a side or 4surface 18of the shank 16. As shown particularly in FIG. 4, each ofthe keys tapers outwardly to the widest end thereof that is adjacent the lowermost end of the shank 16. The keys 28 may be secured to the shank 16 in any convenient manner, such as by welding or `the like. It will be noted that since each of the keys 28 overlies a surface 18 of the shank 16, spaces are formed between the keys 2S. These spaces may be filled tending slots 32 that extend more than half the length of the sleeve 30 and project through the lowermost end .thereof to define a plurality of flexible fiingers 34. The fingers 34 are substantially the width of each side or surface 18 of the shank 16 and are located in such a manner as to substantially overlie these surfaces. In order to provide for the flexing action of the fingers 34, each of the fingers that overlies a surface or side 18 of the shank 16 is tapered at the lower-most end thereof, the taper extending in the opposite direction with respect to the taper of the wedge-like keys 28. This tapered construction of the lower end of the fingers 34 is indicated at 36 in FIG. I4. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tapered outer end 36 of the fingers 34 is adapted to engage the wedgelike keys 23 in surface-to-surface engagement therewith. The outer surfaces of the fingers 34 adjacent the tapered portions thereof are also adapted to engage the side walls of the bore 12 in which the lifting device 14 is inserted during the lifting operation. Since the fingers 34 extend substantially around the entire circumference of the bore 12, the `surface contact areas for retaining the lifting device 14 within the bore 12 are substantial. Thus, as will be described, when the lingers 34 are fiexed outwardly, the outer lsurfaces thereof adjacent the tapered ends engage the adjacent side walls of the bore 12, and since a substantial portion of the side wall of the bore 12 is contacted by the fingers 36, a positive locking or gripping action is defined for preventing withdrawal of the lifting devices 14 from the bore 12.

In order to remove the lifting device 14 from within the bore 12 after the lifting operation, it is necessary to lift the sleeve 30 with respect to the shank 16. For this purpose, a chain 38 is provided, and, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is secured to the uppermost end of the sleeve 30. As further shown in FIGS. l and 2, the uppermost end of the sleeve 30 is provided with opposed cutout portions 40 that in effect define upstanding ears 42 to which the ends of the chain 38 are joined. It is understood that the chain 38 may be joined to the ears 42 such as by welding or the like, the joint being illustrated at 44 in FIG. 2. As will be observed in FIG. 2, the chain 38 is of sufficient length to extend upwardly beyond the strap 22 so that it may be easily engaged by a lifting hook or the like when the lifting device 14 is to be removed from the bore 12.

When the lifting device 14 is inserted into the bore 12, it is desirable to locate the strap 22 in a relatively close relation to the outermost surface of the stone 10. It is for this purpose that the cutout portions 40 are provided, since, by so forming the sleeve 3f), it is possible to nest the lower end of the strap 22 within the slot defined by the cutout portion 4f). The strap 22 is thus disposed such that the opening formed therein for receiving the lifting hook is substantially close to the outer surface of the rock or stone after the lifting device 14 has been inserted into the bore 12. By locating the strap 22 in the manner as shown and described with respect to the bore 12, twisting of the shank 16 is lessened during the transporting or movement of the stone 10 from one location to another.

In use of the lifting device 14, the bore 12 is preformed in the stone 10 and is bored with a tool to a diameter that will snugly accommodate the assembled shank 16 and sleeve 3f). The length of the bore 12 is also dimensioned sufficiently to accommodate the full length of the sleeve 30. After the lifting device 14 has been inserted within the bore 12 of the stone 10, the upper end of the sleeve 36 is tapped to lodge the sleeve in place within the bore prior to the lifting of the strap 22 and the shank 16 that is joined to the strap. Since there is relative movement between the shank 16 and the sleeve 3f), when an upwardly directed force is applied to the strap 22, such as by a boom hook, the keys 28 slide inwardly in flush contact with the tapered portion 36 of the fingers 34. Since the tapered portion 36 of the fingers 34 and the tapered or wedge-like keys 28 have oppositely formed tapered surfaces, upward movement of the keys 28 forces the fingers 34 in an outward direction. The outer movement of the flexible fingers 34 is assured by forming the slots 32 of sufficient dimension wherein the fingers 34 are pivoted at pivot points that are located adjacent the inner ends of the slots 32. Continually upwardly directed movement of the shank 16 forces the fingers 34 into firm engaging relation with the side walls of the bore 12. It will be noted that each of the tapered portions of the fingers 34 is disposed in flush engagement with the keys 2S. This surface-to-surface engagement of the keys 28 with the tapered portion 36 of the fingers 34 produces the necessary flexing action of the fingers to force them into contact with the adjacent wall. Since the fingers 34 substantially circumscribe the shank 16, a plurality of surfaces are defined that are moved into engaging relation with the wall of the bore 12. Since substantially Y all of the surfaces of the bore wall adjacent the lower ends of the lingers 34 are engaged, a positive locking action is produced that prevents withdrawal of the lifting device 14 upon the continued outwardly directed force on lthe strap 22 and the :shank 16 joined thereto.

After the stone 16 has been moved to the desired lofcation, and the strap is released, the lifting device 14 may be easily removed from the bore 12. This is accomplished by inserting the hook of the boom within the chain 38 and pulling outwardly thereon. Since the sleeve 30 moves relatively to the shank 16, the sleeve 3f) .will be pulled upwardly to the position illustrated in FIG. 4. The outer surfaces of the fingers 34 are thus moved out of engagement with the Walls of the bore, and the lifting device 14 is then released for removal from the bore. Continued upward movement of the sleeve 30 will move the edges of the sleeve defined by the cutout portions 40 into engagement with the underside of the strap 22. The sleeve 30 and the shank 16 are then removed together as a unit from the bore 12.

Not only is the specific construction and manner of use of the lifting device 14 embodied herein unique, but the method of manufacture and assembly of the lifting device further represents a departure over the prior known devices of the general character of the present invention. In fabricating the lifting device 14, it will be noted that the keys 28 are first secured to the lower end if the polygonal shaped shank 16, each of the keys 28 overlying a side or surface of the shank 16 at the lower end thereof. After the strap 22 has been joined to the upper end of the shank 16, the sleeve 30 is formed with the slots 32 therein that define the fingers 34. In assembling the sleeve 30 on the shank 16, it is critical that the lower end of each of the fingers that is formed with the tapered inner portion is disposed in overlying relation with respect to a key 28. It is this relationship of the fingers and keys that provides for the flexing movement of the fingers when -an upwardly directed force is applied to the strap 22. The fingers are necessarily vformed of a material that provides for the flexibility thereof and are preferably formed of a malleable steel. The shank 16 is of a harder material and is preferably formed of a high tensile steel. Whenthe lifting device is inserted into the bore 12 of the stone 10, it is necessary that the lower end of the shank be at least twelve inches from the top or upper surface of the stone 10 in which it is inserted. This distance represents the minimum for insertion of the shank in order to enable a proper gripping action of the fingers to be effected.

While there is shown and described herein certain spe cie structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claim.

What is claimed is:

In a device for lifting a heavy article, an elongated shank having a polygonal cross sectional configuration that defines a plurality of longitudinally extending surfaces, a lifting element secured to one end of said shank, a plurality of tapered wedges secured to the other end thereof, each of said wedges overlying one of said surfaces, a sleeve encircling said shank having a plurality of slots formed therein that define a plurality of flexible E4fingers, each of said ngers overlying one of said surfaces and having a tapered portion thereon on the free end thereof that is disposed in flush engagement With a tapered wedge and that is tapered in the opposite direction with respect thereto, wherein movement of said shank by an upwardly directed force applied to said lifting element will cause said fingers to be exed into a gripping position, said lifting element defining an opening through which a lifting hook is inserted for applying the upwardly directed force on said shank, the lower ends of said lifting element being secured to opposite most ends of the uncut portions of said sleeve, and a i withdrawal member joined to said lugs and extendable over said lifting element for engagement by an external hook, whereby said sleeve is adapted to be lifted vertically upwardly to remove the tapered portions of said fingers from engagement with said wedges and to withdraw said device from the bore in which it is inserted.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,717,817 6/29 Sykes 29-434 1,779,035 10/30 Dutton 294-89 1,987,415 1/34 Padgett 29-434 2,719,747 10/55 Layne 29489 2,952,295 9/60 Marinovch 153-80 SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Primary Examiner.

ERNEST A. FALLER, JR., Examiner. 

